All Tar Heels

UNC Basketball Signee Aces Senior Night With Unforgettable Flush

Future UNC basketball showman Ian Jackson provided another preview of what Smith Center patrons can expect to witness next season.

Matt Giles

Photo credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
In this story:

Assuming high-flying UNC basketball reserve Seth Trimble returns to Chapel Hill for his junior campaign, the 2024-25 Tar Heels are set to enjoy one of the program's all-time bounciest pair of backcourt weapons due to the addition of five-star McDonald's All-American Ian Jackson.

En route to his 24-point effort for Our Saviour Lutheran School (N.Y.) in Tuesday night's 133-86 Senior Night home win over Compass Basketball Academy (N.J.), the 6-foot-5, 185-pound Jackson, a potential one-and-done collegian, put his top-shelf hops on full display. And he did so at the expense of a couple of hapless defenders.

Via an up-and-under underhand toss off the glass to himself and thunderous dunk, Jackson all but blew the roof off the small gym. As one can see, his highlight ā€” perhaps his most emphatic this season, which is saying something ā€” led to a show of disbelief among his teammates and the handful of fans who spilled onto the court:

Ian Jackson, an ultra-competitive Bronx native who ranks No. 9 overall on the 247Sports 2024 Composite and has been committed to Tar Heel head coach Hubert Davis for roughly 14 months now, is one of three early UNC basketball signees in the cycle.

RELATED:Ā Two Future Tar Heel Talents Earn Huge National Recognition

The other two include a fellow McDonald's All-American in Northwood High School (N.C.) five-star forward Drake Powell, boasting a No. 11 composite ranking, plus Link Academy (Mo.) four-star center James Brown, No. 72 overall in the class.

Final Bracket Prediction Puts UNC in Caleb Love's Region

Stay tuned to All Tar Heels on SI.com for more UNC basketball recruiting news.

Published
Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining UNC on SI in 2023, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

Home/Basketball